Landlords who have premises in multi-occupation – that is, who let homes to more than one household – will have to be licensed by their local authorities from 6th April under the terms of the Housing Act 2004.

Essex-based lettings agent Mark Saville said: “Across the country fees will vary between £400 and £1,000, and landlords have to get their act together or there are fines that will kick in.”

The most high-profile part of the 2004 Housing Act is the requirement for sellers or estate agents to prepare Home Information Packs before putting properties on the market.